Famous for its no-nonsense “tool” watches, Sinn supplied custom-designed chronographs to the tactical unit of Germany’s federal customs agency, ZUZ for short, when the unit was established in 1997. Having reissued the watch in a larger format in 2017, the German watchmaker once again revisits the minimalist chronograph with the EZM 1.1 S conceived for the 25th anniversary of the original.

Limited to 500 pieces, the EZM 1.1 S is essentially identical to the 2017 limited edition, except it has the addition of a black coating on the hardened steel case, resulting in an exceptionally high level of wear resistance.

Initial thoughts

The all-black finish fits the EZM 1.1 perfectly in both style and substance. As far as military-inspired instrument watches go, this is a good one – with a few caveats.

But because it’s identical to the earlier EZM 1.1, it has the same drawbacks, namely size and weight, both of which are slightly excessive. While the original EZM 1 designed for the ZUZ was compact and lightweight, the EZM 1.1 feels like a chunky, heavy watch on the wrist.

At about US$5,500, the EZM 1.1 S is relatively affordable in absolute terms, but fairly pricey for a chronograph powered by Valjoux 7750, albeit one modified to have a central elapsed minutes.

Sinn tech

A large part of the Sinn proposition is its proprietary technology that boosts durability. Being one of the brand’s priciest watches, the EZM 1.1 S boasts almost all of the brand’s innovations, starting with the case that’s treated with Tegiment.

Similar to Kolsterising, it’s a process that hardens the surface of the steel case, resulting in a better bonding with the black coating. The combination of hardening and coating gives the case an impressive degree of scratch-resistant that is similar to that of ceramic.

Another Sinn innovation is the copper sulphate capsule embedded into the side of the case. This absorbs any water that gets into the case, preventing moisture from building up within the case and damaging the movement.

Under the hood is the SZ01, an automatic movement that is actually a Valjoux 7750 (or Sellita equivalent) that has been modified to give it a central elapsed minute hand. It is otherwise identical to the standard 7750 and has a 42-hour power reserve.

Key facts and price

Sinn EZM 1.1 S

Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 16.4 mm
Material: Stainless steel with Tegiment and black coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: SZ01
Functions: Hours, minutes, central chronograph and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Leather strap, additional rubber strap

Limited edition: 500 pieces 
Availability: From Sinn retailers
Price: US$5,470 before taxes, or €4,980 including VAT

For more, visit Sinn.de.